Welcome to this Saturday night clash between the second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers and third-placed Melbourne Victory. We will be bringing you live scores and updates from 7.45 pm AEDT.
This game is shaping up to be a genuine A-League blockbuster.
The Wanderers have not been beaten in 17 attempts and Kevin Muscat’s men will be eager to get the three points against a organised Wanderers outfit.
Head-to-head
Western Sydney 2
Melbourne Victory 1
Drawn 0
Last clash: The last clash between these two was in Round 21 last season. Western Sydney took the spoils, coming away 2-1 victors.
Western Sydney Wanderers
The Wanderers were far from their best last week, but a scrappy Shannon Cole goal got the Wanderers the three points.
The Wanderers will look to improve on last week’s performance and will be a formidable force at home on Saturday.
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne is coming of what was a very disappointing performance against Sydney. Melbourne has been at their attacking best since the departure of Ange Postecoglou, but has been fragile in defence conceding five in the last two games.
Melbourne will need to tighten up in defence if they are to withstand a Wanderers side in full flight.
X-Factor
The x-factor for this match is Japanese maestro Shinji Ono. Shinji has scored three goals in the last two encounters between these two teams. After a quiet game last week expect him to back to his best.
Prediction
Melbourne’s recent defensive woes will need to be eradicated if they are to keep to Wanderers at bay.
The Wanderers are the most organised team in the competition and if they can get their best team on the park they will be very hard to stop.
Western Sydney 3-1 Melbourne Victory
Dylan
Roar Pro
next time theres a WSW home game can you guys please refrain from rioting outside my apartment. was hard to get my car out with all the riot cops scattered across the road lol cheers
Matthew Skellett
Roar Rookie
"Luck" Mr Thigm? Its amazing how "luck" comes to those who play,plan,train and manage well doesn't it ?
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
How did the Wanderers win this one? Same as last week against Heart, WSW were not the better team, survived several goalmouth scrambles and score a lucky goal late on. Surely their luck will run out against the Roar on Friday.
c
Guest
if you are talking about debbie spillane then you are right she does not know much about our game
Muzz
Guest
Talk about a tough gig having to step as head gaffer.Big shoes to fill and it doesn't get any easier next week.
Cameron
Roar Guru
P.P.S I'm now on the fence as to.Muscat. His press conference was really good and I think he just needs time.
AZ_RBB
Guest
pretty much identical to what i would say about tonight. could've been a high scoring match. both sides will be disappointed with their missed chances.
Cameron
Roar Guru
P.S. I agree! Can I revoke my predictions now? :P
Cameron
Roar Guru
I too was listening to ABC whilst following this article. May I say though that at times that lady can sound very mundane. She over thinks as well and seems to push her view, as if she's trying to convince us she knows her football. I don't know her name, but if she wasn't previously a football follower then that explains it, otherwise she needs to work on commentating, just saying.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Got to be quick. I know us Roar guys think alike..
Cameron
Roar Guru
If Franjic and McKay play for Roos I doubt they'll back up on Friday, but its possible.
Muzz
Guest
Great game by both teams in wet conditions.
Nick Richardson
Roar Guru
Hopefully we can get our top team on the park on Friday, if we do that we are a big chance.
TK
Guest
took the. text rihjt off my keyboard Cameron.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Will be indeed, I just hope Roar can break their duck against the Wanderers.
jamesb
Guest
loved the game tonight a good game of football doesn't require goals galore from both teams. Victory started very well without scoring, but slowly, but surely WSW changed the game, and towards the end, scored the match winning goal. WSW are no where near their best, but they are still getting wins, even without Juric and Hersi. Victory need to do something. I really think it's time Nabbout gets a start, while Galloway replaces Geria. PS: I do have massive doubts about Muscat been a coach.
Midfielder
Guest
MV pay the price of not taking their chances ...
The Auteur
Guest
Was only able to listen to the game on ABC, but it sounds like if we can keep our forward line and our midfield nice and mobile and move the ball around quickly than I think we can unsettle the Wanderers' backline and get ourselves a couple of goals. Got to deny space to Ono and Mooy obviously but I believe we're the most capable team of doing that.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Another intense mouth watering tussle CK
Cameron
Roar Guru
Hopefully by Roar next week. Btw, Roar have now conceded the least amount of goals in the second half :P